Your Stone Countertop Physical: Time for a Check-Up!

Here’s how to give your countertops their own little “physical” and what to look out for.

1. Start with the Visual Exam

Take a slow walk around your countertop and really look at it—like a doctor checking your vitals. Is the surface dull in some spots and shiny in others? Do you see rings or cloudy patches? These can be signs of etching, which often shows up on marble, travertine, and limestone. Etching is caused by acidic substances—think lemon juice, vinegar, or even tomato sauce—that react with the surface and leave behind dull marks.

Check-up tip: Try shining a flashlight across the surface at a low angle. If the light reveals hazy patches or dull rings, you likely have etching. These areas can usually be restored with the right polishing product—or a call to your professional if it’s widespread.

2. The Seal Test: Is Your Stone Protected?

Stone sealers don’t last forever, and if your countertop isn’t sealed properly, it’s more vulnerable to staining. Here’s a simple way to test if your stone needs resealing:

Seal Check DIY:

• Pour a small amount of water (about a tablespoon) on several spots of your countertop.
• Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
• Wipe it away and check if the stone darkened underneath.

If it did, the stone absorbed the water—which means it’s time to reseal. If the water beaded up and wiped away clean, your seal is still doing its job.

Pro tip: Perform this test in high-use areas like around the sink or cooktop. These spots tend to lose their sealer faster due to wear.

3. Check the Caulking: The “Joint Health” Exam

Just like our joints need a little TLC, the joints and seams of your countertop need attention too. Check where your countertop meets the backsplash, walls, or other surfaces. Caulking is there to seal those joints and keep out moisture—but it doesn’t last forever.

Things to look for:

• Cracked, crumbling, or peeling caulk
• Gaps between the countertop and backsplash
• Signs of mold or mildew

If you see any of these, it’s time to replace the caulk. Use a high-quality silicone or urethane caulk that’s safe for stone (make sure it’s non-staining). Clean out the old caulk first and apply a fresh, even bead to seal things up.

4. Run Your Hands Over the Surface

Now that you’ve done the visual check, it’s time to get tactile. Run your hands over the countertop. Do you feel any rough patches, pits, or tiny chips along the edges or around the sink?

Small chips can sometimes be repaired with a stone epoxy or filler kit, but larger damage might need a professional touch. Catching these early prevents them from getting worse.

5. Stain Patrol

Take a moment to inspect for stains. Oil, wine, coffee, and rust are common culprits, especially on lighter-colored stones. If you spot one, don’t panic—there are specialized stain removers and poultices that can lift them out. But it’s important to identify the stain type before you treat it.

If you’re not sure what you’re dealing with, take a photo and consult a stone care professional—you don’t want to make it worse by using the wrong product.

Make It Routine

A countertop physical doesn’t need to be a big production. Doing a check like this once or twice a year—maybe when you’re spring cleaning or swapping out seasonal décor—can save you a ton of hassle down the road. It helps you catch problems early, maintain the beauty of your stone, and extend the life of your investment.

And just like with your own health, prevention is key. Keep up with sealing when needed, wipe up spills quickly (especially acidic ones), and use cutting boards and trivets to protect your surface.

So go ahead—give your countertop a clean bill of health. And if you spot something suspicious, don’t wait—just like you’d call your doctor, give your favorite stone restoration pro a ring.

Your stone will thank you.